Tag Archives: accounting software for manufacturing

ERP Essentials for Wholesale Companies: An Overview of Modules

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In the dynamic and competitive landscape of wholesale business, effective management of resources and streamlined operations are crucial for success. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems play a pivotal role in helping wholesale companies achieve efficiency, accuracy, and agility in their day-to-day activities. In this article, we will explore the essential ERP modules that are integral for the functioning of wholesale companies.

Inventory Management Module

Central to wholesale operations, this module enables businesses to keep track of their inventory in real-time. Features include order management, stock level monitoring, and automated replenishment to prevent stockouts or overstock situations. Integration with barcoding and RFID technologies enhances accuracy and speed in managing inventory.

Order Processing Module

Efficient order processing is critical for wholesale companies to meet customer demands promptly. This module streamlines the entire order lifecycle, from order creation to fulfillment, reducing errors and improving order accuracy. Automated order routing and approval workflows help in quick and error-free order processing.

Supplier Management Module

Wholesale businesses rely heavily on a network of suppliers. The supplier management module facilitates seamless communication and collaboration with suppliers. Key features include supplier evaluation, performance tracking, and automated reordering based on predefined parameters.

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Module

Building and maintaining strong customer relationships is fundamental for wholesale companies. CRM modules in ERP systems help manage customer data, track interactions, and analyze customer preferences for targeted marketing strategies. Integration with other modules ensures a holistic view of customer transactions and interactions.

Financial Management Module

This module helps wholesale companies maintain financial control and transparency. Features include general ledger, accounts payable, and accounts receivable functionalities. Automated financial reporting ensures accuracy and compliance with accounting standards.

Warehouse Management Module

Efficient warehouse management is crucial for optimizing the storage and movement of goods. This module includes features like picking, packing, and shipping, with real-time visibility into warehouse operations. Integration with other modules ensures synchronization between inventory, orders, and shipping processes.

Reporting and Analytics Module

Data-driven decision-making is a cornerstone of successful wholesale operations. Reporting and analytics modules provide insightful reports on various aspects of the business, aiding in strategic planning and performance analysis. Customizable dashboards enable management to track the health of the business at a glance.

Implementing an ERP system with these essential modules is crucial for wholesale companies aiming to thrive in a competitive market. The integration of these modules streamlines operations, enhances accuracy, and provides valuable insights for informed decision-making. Investing in a robust ERP solution tailored to the specific needs of a wholesale business is an investment in long-term efficiency and growth.

Are you considering a new ERP system? Contact our experts! We have local solution providers who can help you navigate the process. Contact us now or call 707-774-7537 to talk to someone about your specific needs.

Fan Manufacturer Triples Sales Volume in Ten Years and Tracks Shipping Container Movement Using AccountMate

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Fanimation, an Indiana-based designer and manufacturer of unique and innovative ceiling fan kits, has grown from a one-man shop to a thriving international business, serving more than 1,500 customers and exporting its products to over twenty-three countries worldwide. Fanimation’s corporate culture, centered on family values, combined with the development of high-quality, sustainable products, positions the company as a leader in the ceiling fan industry.

As Fanimation experienced consistent growth and increased sales demand, they realized that their original, proprietary accounting system was no longer sufficient to handle their evolving business requirements. To address this challenge, they sought a robust business and financial management solution with real-time information, automation, and scalability. They turned to an Elite AccountMate Business Partner, for a solution.

It was recommended that they install AccountMate SQL’s financial management system due to its open architecture and scalability.

Some key solutions implemented include:

  • Product Arrival Visibility. With over 200 customer orders per day, Fanimation needed to track the status of containers throughout their movement in order to project item availability for order fulfillment. Now, Fanimation employees have access to estimated arrival times and can manage order fulfillment problems in advance, equipping their team with up-to-the-minute information. Complete visibility into their products helped them efficiently create a knowledgeable workforce ultimately boosting productivity, sales and customer service.
  • Unique Inventory Attributes. Fanimation sells more than 70 different fan models, each with numerous unique attributes. To track and manage over a hundred of these product-specific attributes, the business partner deployed custom data entry screens and reports. Additionally, they facilitated importing and exporting data to and from Microsoft Excel to avoid tedious editing.
  • Comprehensive Order Tracking. This allowed seamless integration of industry-specific solutions, streamlining the shipping process and improving warehouse efficiencies.

By leveraging AccountMate, Fanimation has achieved real-time information, integration, and automation 24/7, supporting their business goals and strategies. Over the course of more than ten years, Fanimation tripled its revenue, expanded its warehouses nationwide, and experienced significant customer growth.

With the implementation of AccountMate’s financial management system, along with the specialized support from an AccountMate solution provider, Fanimation can efficiently manage its growing business, streamline operations, and significantly increase its sales volume over the years.

Read the full case study here.

Want to speak to one of our highly-skilled business professionals about what AccountMate can do for your business? Contact us now or call 707-774-7537.